Hope

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed,

we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken;

cast down, but not destroyed...

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,

worketh for us a far more exceeding and

eternal weight of

glory."

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9;17

Dear Friends,

Though we know these verses to be true, when you are living them it can be difficult to say "our light affliction, which is but for a moment" when it feels like years.  Isn't it funny that when things are good, the days fly by and we hardly notice the passing of time.  But the moment things go wrong, life seems to slow down and those moments turn into years. 

These last forty days have felt like we were experiencing in some way Jesus' forty days of temptation in the desert.  One major difference...we aren't coming out of it without having fallen.  Yes, I have cried over the kitchen sink and told God, 'no, Jesus isn't worth all this.'  When life leaves you more wounded than winning, it is hard to keep your perspective. 

So many of you have written us such encouraging emails and messages.  Your prayers, love and concern for us has been such a help to us during this time.  We thank each one of you for the part you have had in encouraging us. 

BJ has been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and erosive gastritis.  With medicine, diet and exercise we are working on getting them under control.  The other tests came back negative for the most part. 

Heavy stresses and anxiety have compounded the health issues.  We have had to step away from some ministry commitments at this time to allow BJ the time necessary to regain his strength.  With prayer, rest, time and letting the medicine take its effect we hope to continue. 

Thank you in advance for your continued prayers for our family as we take this journey down a road we have never traveled.